Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

[mylesm260]

I've been running my automotive 4.3 in my boat for a few years now.

I'm running a marine starter and a marine alternator, but I'm using the automotive power steering pump, and the automotive water pump.

I want to install a proper heat exchanger so I can actually go into salt water, but the conversions kits are not compatible with my current accessory arrangement.


My alternator is on the starboard side, and is positioned much higher than the where the marine one is.

My block is a 2001, so it's vortec, and serpentine.

Unfortunately, the original engine that came in the boat was V-belt, and none of the accessories were compatible the new motor.

So now, I need to source the mercruiser alternator bracket, power steering pump bracket, tensioner, and if needed the alternator and power steering pumps themselves.

I've searched my local area for boat wreckers, and have found none. Where do you guys go for your odds and ends? I would really like to buy someone's complete 4.3 engine with a heat exchanger that's had some kind of engine failure. That way I could swap all the marine parts over.

Or, if no complete blown engine is available, I would like to source all the parts I need, and just purchase and install a fresh water conversion kit.

Do boat wreckers exist? Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could source the remaining parts I need for my conversion, other than just buying them new from my local dealer?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

Unfortunately, the original engine that came in the boat was V-belt, and none of the accessories were compatible the new motor.

Ayuh,.. Do you still have it,..??

If you swapped ALL of it, it should have fit Just Fine...

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

I do,

But my main crank pully is serpentien, as well as my water pump pulley.

My original 4.3 engine was a mid 80's vintage odd fire non vortec with V belts.

Me new 4.3 is 2000' era even fire with balance shaft and a serpentien belt.

Is I recall, I tried to use the original brakets and accessories, but I coudn't get them to work.

 

[abj87]

Re: Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

how are the fresh water kits not compatible? You may have to relocate the heat exchanger but its not a big deal. I relocated the one on our sailboat diesel for better access. Look though the auto parts store for molded hoses that may work.

Will the marine alt not fit in he 2001 engine brackets. Just use the car power steering pump.

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

The problem is, my automotive alternator is located high on the left side (looking at the engine). All the pictures of the heat exchangers I've seen show that the alternator must be lower. The only place I could relocate the exchanger to is in my bilge, and then I wouldn't be able to fill the system.

I suppose I could get an overflow bottle with a pressurized fill cap in it, and locate the overflow bottle higher and fill my system from there, but I'd kinda rather convert over to marine properly, rather than hodge podge a system together.


Nobody has any suggestions on where to source the marine parts I need?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

The problem is, my automotive alternator

Ayuh,... That Is a Problem,...

I think if you changed the crankshaft Pulley,+ the circulating waterpump from the old motor,...
Everything should Work...

Nobody has any suggestions on where to source the marine parts I need?

Ayuh,... ebay, craigslist,.. Or Mercruiser....

 

[45Auto]

Re: Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

Some aluminum or steel plate and a welder should be able to handle it .....

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Need sugestions on how to finish marineizing my 4.3

One thing to remember when converting from serpentine to v-belts is the rotation of the water pump is different.

Google used boat parts and look for anything in your area.

UPS rates aren't so bad you could get parts most anywhere.